Chapter 2

Duke Stark’s eyes teared up as he saw his daughter in her wedding gown. She looked exactly like her mother on their wedding day. He reveled in nostalgia. Isabella could see the pride in her father’s eyes, and she almost started crying too.

“He is lucky to have you, and so is the Netherlands…”

“Oh, stop it, Dad,” Isabella blushed at her father’s compliment.

“I mean every word, my beautiful daughter. You will make a great queen someday.”

He kissed his daughter on her forehead. Tears started flowing from Isabella’s eyes, and her father quickly wiped them away with a brush of his finger. His daughter was now a grown woman—no longer his baby. It hurt him deeply to realize that fact today.

The sweet father-and-daughter moment was suddenly interrupted by a knock on the door. Isabella looked out and realized her brother was ready to take her to the church.

“I’ll be right behind you too,” her father said as he walked away, and she frowned deeply. She knew her family was still close by, but she was going to miss living in her father’s house.

“You look good,” her brother complimented.

He was clearly dressed and ready to escort his sister to the church, as royal protocol demanded. She joined hands with her brother, and they walked out of the house.

Just as they stepped outside, a vehicle suddenly arrived. From it emerged Prince Karl, the younger brother of her fiancé. Prince Karl was the most handsome man in the kingdom—more handsome than his brother—and rumors had it that he possessed even greater wealth, though his brother was the crown prince.

He stepped out of the car, walked straight to her, and complimented her. Then, he leaned in and whispered into her ear, “You’re making a great mistake. Cancel the wedding. Don’t go ahead with it.”

Without another word, he suddenly turned around and left.

Isabella was struck with confusion. She had never liked Prince Karl—they had always fought since they were young. Why was he now telling her to cancel the wedding? She chose to ignore him as usual.

Her brother, Fabian, noticed her reaction and asked, “Is there a problem?”

She quickly replied, “No, nothing to worry about.”

She wasn’t going to let anything spoil her day.

Isabella was helped into her royal bridal vehicle, and the journey to the Royal Parish took 15 minutes. When they arrived, reporters and cameramen from all over the world were gathered outside the church, waiting for the royal wedding to begin.

Prince Khalid arrived first. He stepped out of the car with a smile, flashing at the cameras. He waved at the guests and then stepped into the church to wait for his bride.

Not long after, Isabella arrived in her vehicle. Her presence was announced, and all the guests eagerly waited for the royal bride to step out.

At that moment, Prince Khalid set his eyes on the maid of honor—Aura—who stepped in first with his brother, Prince Carl. His countenance changed. He shifted anxiously as he stood at the altar.

The news of Isabella’s arrival was announced, and everyone rose to their feet as the official wedding song began to play.

Aura could feel the hot tears forming, and she blinked relentlessly to prevent them from falling and ruining her makeup. She couldn’t believe she was watching the wedding ceremony of her best friend and the prince. After three years of giving her body to the crown prince, she thought he would finally marry her. Well, she could only hope that her last plan would work—because after today, she would have everything to lose.

The ceremony began, and after a brief speech from the priest, it was time to exchange vows. The crown prince spoke first, followed by Isabella, who recited her vows as well.

Then, the priest declared, “If anyone is against this holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

There was absolute silence—a sign of no objection.

“In the absence of any objection, I hereby pronounce you husband and—”

“Wait!” Prince Khalid suddenly spoke up.

Everyone gasped in shock.

“What is he doing?” his father, the king, asked, annoyance written all over his face. “What is going on?”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot marry you, Isabella. The wedding is called off,” he blurted out.

At that moment, Isabella felt her life flash before her eyes. Her mouth opened, but she couldn’t find the words. Tears flowed from her eyes like an ocean.

“W-what? What are you doing, my prince? What is going on?” she stammered.

“I’m sorry, Isabella. I cannot marry you. The wedding is over. I cannot live a lie!” he yelled.

At that point, Fabian quickly rushed at the prince and punched him right in front of the crowd.

“How dare you humiliate my sister this way, you despicable fool!”

The commotion was so bizarre that many guests started to leave the church premises, while others stayed back to record everything happening.

“This is a royal wedding! People all over the world are watching, and you choose to humiliate my sister on a global level?” Fabian hissed. “I will never let you get away with this,” he whispered into the prince’s ear as he grabbed his collar.

In the midst of the chaos, Isabella felt her legs weaken, and she blacked out.